Albania is a culturally rich country in Southeastern Europe, nestled between Italy and Greece. It is known as the home of Mother Teresa, the only Nobel Prize winner in the country, as well as natural wonders and diverse religions. The country has a small population but is known for its people’s friendliness and hospitality.
Albania is located in a diverse area in Europe and has developed a strong and open society. With such an interesting culture, Albania is becoming a popular study abroad destination for international students. In this article, we will be looking at the best universities in Albania for international students.
Is Albania good for international students to study in?
Albania has one of the highest literacy rates in Europe, showing the country’s commitment to education. It follows the European standards of education, and its universities offer globally recognized degrees in three study cycles.
Tuition fees depend on the course of study and the type of university, but fees generally do not exceed 4800 USD per year. Living costs are more affordable as well, especially with many universities providing residence halls, other inexpensive accommodation, and efficient transportation.
Check Also: Programs in Europe for International Students
Can international students work in Albania while studying?
International students who wish to work in Albania have to secure a Type “A/S” work permit before engaging in any economic activity. However, since Albania’s accession as a member of the European Union is ongoing, the country may soon adapt to the same conditions as other EU nations.
Can international students stay in Albania after graduation?
Foreign nationals who wish to stay in Albania after graduation must obtain a different form of residency permit to replace their study permit. Citizens of EU and Schengen zone countries have the same rights as Albanian citizens. For non-EU citizens, there are short-term stay residence permits for those who will stay for 90 days within a 180 day period. However, in most cases, foreign graduates apply for a temporary residence permit with a work permit, allowing citizens of other countries to work and stay in Albania for 1-5 years.
Best Universities in Albania for International Students
1. University of Tirana (UT)
The University of Tirana is a public university located in the country’s capital city. The University of Tirana is the best university in Albania for international students and among the biggest in Europe with 35000 students. The university is organized into six faculties, where it offers over 174 programs in three cycles of study. These are the faculties of Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, History and Philology, Law, Economic Sciences, and Foreign Languages. Most programs are taught in Albanian, but several courses are carried out in English, French, Italian, German, Chinese, and other languages.
Students at UT have a complete academic experience with the university’s special premises for extracurricular activities. UT has a fully-equipped Athletic Area, libraries with study rooms, an amphitheater, and a breathtaking surrounding nature.
2. Polytechnic University of Tirana (UPT)
The Polytechnic University of Tirana is the oldest and second-largest university in Albania. It marked the beginning of higher education in the country when it was founded in 1951. Today, this top university in Albania educates over 10000 students across seven faculties. These are the faculties of Construction, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering, Information Technology, Geology and Mining, Architecture and Urban Planning, and Mathematics and Physics. It manages the Geosciences Institute and Institute for Energy, Water, and Environment as well.
The Architecture and Urban Planning department is the largest department of the discipline in Albania and most competitive among the UPT units. Besides high-quality departments, UPT also provides dedicated facilities for scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, and other administrative services.
3. Epoka University (EU)
Epoka University, one of the best universities in Albania for international students, is a private institution for higher education proudly located on a smart campus in Tirana. It is a relatively young university, established only in 2007, but offers accredited programs in three cycles of study. The university is composed of three faculties which are Architecture and Engineering, Law and Social Sciences, and Economics and Administrative Sciences. The EU also manages four research centers focusing on sustainability, education, applied sciences, and European studies.
Epoka University is one of the most active in Albania in terms of internationalization. The university administers student and staff exchange programs with several universities abroad, as well as conducts research projects with different organizations globally.
We hope that this article on the best universities in Albania for international students was helpful. To know more information like this, check out the Available Programs for International Students!
